Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

DOUGLAS FELLER Village On The Isle Names New CEO

CLASSIC CREATIONS BRINGS SPARKLE TO OUR LIVES

TALENTED ERIN LILLY JOINS UNITED WAY SOUTH COUNTY

DO YO U NEED TO F E E L

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“What

surprised me the most?”

Village On The Isle is the best of two worlds—I still have my outside memberships and involvements. I moved here because I didn’t want my children to worry about my future needs. I’m surprised by everyone’s openness to welcome a new person— they opened their hearts to me. You become a family of people who care about you. If you’re looking for life where you can be free of worry, c’mon down! —

Peg Sisson

Actual Resident Quote

Surprise yourself at Village On The Isle—Venice’s ideal island retirement destination and only community offering a true Life Plan. Get to know Village On The Isle and our lively, maintenance-free lifestyle. You simply can’t find a services-plus-amenities package like ours anywhere else in Venice. What will surprise you the most about us? We invite you to find out!

Join us at our upcoming events or schedule a personal tour. Call (941) 275-9509 or visit www.villageontheisle.com/peg OIR #88005

920 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, FL 34285

LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Tony D'Souza | tony.dsouza@lifestylepubs.com

September Style AS VENICE HEADS BACK INTO OUR REGION’S BUSIEST MONTHS, CHANGE SEEMS TO BE THE NAME OF THE SEASON. Around town, leadership has changed at a number of our most well known institutions. Businesses continue to make announcements about how they are facing the Covid-19 pandemic, and as always, we spend plenty of pages bringing you all the latest on lifestyle trends and fashions. We have a packed issue for you this month!

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Virginia LaPlante | virginia.laplante@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony D'Souza, Patti Clark, Stephanie Snow CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Prion Photography, Stephanie Snow Photography

In our main feature, get to know Douglas Feller, the friendly new CEO of Village On The Isle. Now leading one of our region’s biggest continuing care communities, Feller shares his story with Venice Lifestyle, including the intense, heartwarming tale of the birth of his triplets. At United Way South Sarasota County, the energetic Erin Lilly has been named the new Public Relations & Development Director. She shares news with us about this important nonprofit’s new Covid Relief Fund. And last but certainly not least, Loveland Center adds three new faces to its board who we have the pleasure to highlight. Need a little sparkle in your life? This month we feature Classic Creations In Diamonds & Gold and two of its most beautiful jewelry lines, Pam Duke’s coastal themed Nau-TGirl, and the classically gorgeous Gabriel & Co., based in New York. Classic Creations’

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

owner Evan Duke tells us all the health and safety changes the store has implemented,

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

as well as how he paid his employees’ full wages during the shutdown. Make sure to

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

see our extra page highlighting Classic Creations' beautiful jewelry. Across town, the Valenti family has reopened the ever popular Allegro Bistro with plenty of outdoor patio seating. Patti Clark’s Mystery Resale Shopping Bus Tours

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

are scheduled to resume service, taking resale shoppers to surprise destinations all over the Gulf Coast. And we feature some new businesses in our Around Town section, while photographer Stephanie Snow closes out our issue by offering some great tips on taking better portraits. This month in Venice, change is in style! Our cover features a beautiful bride--what greater change is there in life than marriage? And last but certainly not least, Venice Lifestyle is pleased to announce a little addition, the birth of our Editor's new baby boy! See his adorable picture in Around Town. Drop us a line and tell us about any changes happening in your life! Happy reading, Venice!

ON THE COVER Beautiful bride Abby Reagan PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY, MAKEUP BY GIVE ME GLAM-ASHLEY ROBINSON, HAIR BY JESSIE LEE HAIR ARTISTRY, FLOWERS BY ANN’S FLOWERS 4

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

Charmaine Tincher, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

Proverbs 3:5-6 Venice Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Venice areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Venice Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURES 16 Douglas Feller Named New Chief Executive Officer At VOTI Adversity Prepared Him For Leadership In A Challenging Time

20 Looking For A Little Sparkle? Classic Creations Has Gorgeous Jewelry Lines

24 UWSSC Welcomes Erin! The United Way South Sarasota County Adds Erin Lilly As Its New Public Relations & Development Director

16 24

28 Loveland Center Adds Three New Board Members

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Limelight

Inspired By

20 Locally Owned 24 Locals Only 26 DIY 28 Giving Back 30 Culinary Creations 34 Local’s Choice

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Venice Chamber Of Commerce Celebrates New And Established Businesses The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce recently cut ribbons for a number of new businesses including Today’s Optician, Irma's Tacos, Craft Beer and Tequila Bar, and Neal Communities' new community Vicenza. Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Members also attended an A/C Tropical Business Connections event at Plantation Golf and Country Club. 597 Tamiami Trail S., Venice. 941.488.2236. 941. 800.1482. Venicechamber.com

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AROUND TOWN

ALLEGRO BISTRO REOPENS AND WELCOMES ALL ITS OLD FRIENDS Nella Valenti's Allegro Bistro has reopened after spending the lock down closed, but serving its food

Zena had heartworm disease when she arrived at Friends of Strays. Zena was adopted by David’s account manager, Jill. Now Zena goes to work at David’s office as Office Greeter! Davidinsured.com. 727.564.9599

take-out only through the family's sister restaurant, Valenti's. Nella has been cooking delicious Italian specialities for her loyal Venice clients for over thirty years. In keeping with helping everyone stay safe as they enjoy her great food at Allegro Bistro, the restaurant now offers outdoor patio dining (pictured above), as well as all safety precautions and social distancing inside the restaurant and the lounge. Besides, Nella and her staff have been preparing the cleanest, freshest and most delicious food all her career anyway. Come in for favorites like Chicken Allegro, Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan, and handmade gnocchi. The drinks and service are always the very best at Allegro Bistro, where you will be treated like family. Enjoy karaoke on Wednesday evenings, and dancing to the music of The Allegros on Friday. Welcome back to your favorite Italian cuisine in all of Venice! Everyone at Allegro Bistro cannot wait to see you! 1740 E. Venice Ave., Venice, 941.484.1889, Allegro-Bistro.com

STATE FARM AGENT DONATES TO FRIENDS OF STRAY ANIMALS SHELTER

All Faiths Food Bank recently received grants and support from the following organizations: $5,000 from JPMorgan Chase & Co in support of COVID-19 response efforts; $7,500 from Ameriprise Financial in support of the Mobile Pantry program; $20,000 from Isermann Family Foundation in support of

Friends of Strays Animal Shelter has part-

the Backpack program. In support of COVID-19

nered with State Farm Agent David Vargas.

response efforts, Mobile Pantries which provide

Whenever he's contacted for a free, no-obliga-

access to fresh produce, meats and groceries to

tion quote and mentions Friends of Strays, David

those in need, and the Backpack Program which

donates $10 to the organization. David has given

provide students with bags of nutritious snacks

more than $1,500 to help homeless animals since

over the weekends and holidays.

2019. One specific animal whom David’s donations have saved is a beautiful dog named Zena. 10

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK RECEIVES $32,500 FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE EFFORT

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

8171

Blaikie

Ct.,

Sarasota. 941-379-6333.

AllFaithsFoodBank.org

CONTINUED >

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AROUND TOWN the

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WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANT ROSEMARY BARTOLINI SERVES VENICE Rosemary Bartolini's Bartolini Design Co. has been designing websites and providing graphic design services since 2013. All work is completed by Rosemary herself, the company's principle designer. No jobs are ever outsourced! Rosemary is focused on your website needs and understands how important your web presence is in growing your business. She stays on top of new design trends and techniques, and always utilize W3C standards and best practices in her code to ensure sustainable, accessible, long-term growth. Call Rosemary to grow your business! bartolinidesignco.com. rosemary@bartolinidesignco.com. 813.812.4293

IT'S A BOY! VENICE LIFESTYLE WELCOMES LITTLEST TEAM MEMBER On June 25th at 3:10 p.m. at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Venice Lifestyle Editor Tony D’Souza and his wife Emily welcomed a bouncing baby boy Cedar Fox to their family. Emily did the hard work, and Cedar was born happy and healthy at six pounds eleven ounces. He joins his big sister Gwendolyn, 12, and big brothers Rohan, 11, and Tannon, 10, all who are very eager to play with the little guy. Transplanted to Venice from the cedar tree lined mountains of far northern California, Tony and Emily chose Cedar’s name to honor their forested home in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Shasta. Pretty soon this little Floridian will be swimming and fishing with his siblings! The baby’s nursery is decorated in a fox theme. Tony put together some of this issue late at night with baby Cedar sleeping on his shoulder. Welcome to the world, little Cedar Fox!

STATE FARM SPONSORS THE SLEEVESUP BLOOD DRIVE CAMPAIGN

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

According to Venice State Farm agent Rob

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Reisdorf, the American Red Cross is facing a crit-

Venice using the Get In Touch link and let us know

ical blood shortage. State Farm is sponsoring

what you think.

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT Resale Queens heading to Fort Myers

Mystery Shopping! THE MYSTERY RESALE SHOPPING BUS TOURS HOPE TO BE ON THE ROAD SOON

Patti Clark Bus Tour Guide- Mystery Resale Shopping Bus Tours

MYSTERY

RESALE

SHOPPING

BUS

TOURS’ FLEET OF LOCALLY CONTRACTED BUSES WHICH TRAVEL FROM ST. PETE, BRADENTON, SARASOTA, VENICE, FORT MYERS AND NAPLES (PLUS TOWNS IN BETWEEN) HAVE BEEN PARKED SINCE APRIL BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC. Patti Clark, owner, says, “You read about the airlines, trains, beaches, retail shops, restaurants and how they are affected, however the motor coach bus industry has been extremely affected, too. We have been hit hard by the impact of the COVID19 shutdowns. Not only our resale shopping bus tours, but also the motor coaches that move military personnel, athletes, students and youths and other local travel groups in our area.” 14

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

Resale Queens and Kings in Punta Gorda

Clark’s Bus Tours started up five years ago to build awareness about the local resale community including thrift stores, boutiques, resale shops, vintage, antiques, flea-indoor and outdoor markets, consignments and more. Each attendee receives a copy of The Happy Thrifter: A guide to all of our resale community. The tour is over 130 miles of shopping fun, with a handy dandy map, so participants can go back and shop again. With over 300 locations listed, the guide really does come in handy for locals and snowbirds alike. It’s a win-win for the resale merchants. Plus, these Mystery Resale Shopping Bus Tours are just so much darn fun! Patti’s tours start up in December and run into late May. They are called Mystery Resale Shopping Bus Tours because they don’t disclose the locations until participants are on the bus. It’s a day-long shop-till-you-resale-drop adventure where shoppers are treated like Resale Queens and Kings and driven around on a beautiful luxury motor coach bus. The trip includes lunch, contests, gifts and discounts from the mystery resale merchants, swag bags, and so much more! This is such a popular memorable, fun-filled, relaxing, shopping extravaganza, they sell out in just minutes once the tour dates are released the first week of November. To request a tour list visit Thehappythriftershopper.com. Mystery Resale Shopping Bus Tours has also added more resale tours traveling to more locations in 2021. The company is proud to have created jobs for 14 wonderful new Bus Tour Guides, and typically returns $10,000 back to the community from sales and lunches from each tour. “That really adds up with all the tours we have each year,” says Patti. This season, Mystery Resale Shopping Bus Tours will follow CDC guidelines for facemasks or shields, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers. And because the demographics of its participants are generally older shoppers, the company is inherently more cautious as it begins booking for tours starting in November, and maybe two in December 2020—fingers crossed! “There is a bright spot waiting at the end of this pandemic,” says Patti. “When the all-clear signal is given to move about in southwest Florida via the motor coach bus way, everyone will be so energized as far as getting our tours going and feeling normal again. Everyone misses resale shopping.” Clark adds, “We’re going to get back to normal. We’re going to get through this. When we do, we’ll be ready to run and look forward, once again, to building awareness about our resale community with bunches of fun Resale Queens and Kings on our tours. The wheels on the bus will go round and round again! We are a ‘thrifter strong’ company and really are all about our community!” Thehappythriftershopper.com. Thehappythriftershopper@gmail.com. 816-352-0975

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

INSPIRED BY

Douglas Feller Named New Chief Executive Officer At VOTI “ We w i l l all work together to get through this time while letting each one of our residents k n ow h ow important t h ey a r e t o u s .”

Village on the Isle CEO Douglas Feller

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW

WHEN FORMER VILLAGE ON THE ISLE CEO JOEL ANDERSON ANNOUNCED HIS SURPRISE RESIGNATION EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE VOTI BOARD DECIDED TO CONDUCT AN INTERNAL LEADERSHIP SEARCH. After two weeks of interviews, VOTI Chief Operating Officer Douglas Feller was promoted to the top leadership position from a talented in-house pool. Doug becomes CEO at a time of both growth and challenge for VOTI. Having just completed a $100 million expansion and modernization, VOTI continues to look to grow its footprint, while also managing the challenge of Covid-19. “We were all surprised that Joel left,” says the warm and affable Doug. “But what he left to pursue is an incredible opportunity and we all wish him well. Joel really mentored me. After I was named CEO, I said to him, ‘How do you follow Michael Jordan?’ He really is one of those standout leaders in this industry.”

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

ADVERSITY PREPARED HIM FOR LEADERSHIP IN A CHALLENGING TIME

“I had a great childhood and I aspired to be l i ke m y d a d .”

Born in Ohio and raised in Tennessee, Doug learned the meaning of hard work from his father, a manager for Klein Tools. His mother, a lifelong employee at the American Heart Association, taught him the importance of service. “I had a great childhood and I aspired to be like my dad,” Doug says. “He was honest, hardworking, and one of those guys who knew how to do anything. He could take apart and repair a car or install an air conditioning unit. He and my mother were fantastic role models.” A University of Alabama graduate, Doug began his career working for medical devices conglomerate Medtronic in Fort Myers. Attracted to a career in the health care industry, he was the VP of Health Services at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort, Alabama, for six years, a community similar to VOTI. He was a project manager at Plymouth Harbor, and at VOTI he has held various roles including Resident Services Director, Director of Operations, and COO. He loves serving the residents at VOTI. “We have World War II vets and people who grew up in the Great Depression,” Doug explains. “This generation single-handedly changed the course of history and have never asked for a ‘thank you’. They are the most humble and caring individuals you can meet. I have a tremendous amount of respect for this generation and making them feel cared for is my mission.” Married to his wife Dusty for a decade, seven years ago the couple welcomed triplets, and embarked on the greatest challenge of their lives. “Our children were born three months premature,” Doug says. “Our son Davis weighed 2.4 pounds, our daughter Kennedy 1.12 pounds, and our son Eli weighed 1.1 pounds. They spent two and a half months in the NICU.” The children are now seven years old and in great health. Doug likes to joke, “Because we have triplets, my wife would tell you that I come to work to go on vacation everyday.” That intense time taught him the importance of communication when it comes to medical issues, as the couple was grateful for even the smallest updates on their children while in the NICU. The experience guides him now as he faces Covid. “Our goal is to keep it completely off our campus,” he explains. “There’s no playbook on Covid, we can’t pull out any previous policies or procedures. While we have to restrict visitors and communal gatherings for now, I also know how important attention and connection is for each of our residents. We have become very creative in bringing our residents special meals and treats. We will all work together to get through this time while letting each one of our residents know how important they are to us.” 920 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. 941.484.9753. Villageontheisle.com CityLifestyle.com/Venice

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LOCALLY OWNED

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE S PA R K L E ? CLASSIC CREATIONS HAS GORGEOUS JEWELRY LINES

AS A RESPECTED RETAILER OF FINE JEWELRY,

CLASSIC

CREATIONS

DIAMONDS & GOLD’S EVAN DUKE HAS LONG BEEN COMPLIMENTED ON THE BEAUTY OF HIS STORE AND ITS OFFERINGS BY MANUFACTURERS HOPING HE WILL CARRY AND FEATURE THEIR JEWELRY LINES. But because his taste is so discerning and his standard so high, he almost never invites a new line into his store. However, Evan has recently been featuring jewelry from the New York based Gabriel & Co., a line that has earned a devoted following among Venice jewelry aficionados. “Gabriel & Co. is an immediately recognized brand within the country,” Evan explains. “They have been selling very well 20

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY in Fort Myers and Tampa, and their representative kept coming into our store and telling me that they needed a marquee shop for their jewelry in our region. He did his due diligence with us, getting to know us and our standard for jewelry, and his persistence was the key. When I saw the quality of the jewelry and the dedication of the company’s staff, I decided to give Gabriel & Co. an opportunity here at Classic Creations In Diamonds & Gold. It has turned out to be immensely popular and has made many of our customers very happy.” Evan says that the Gabriel & Co. line has been so well received in Venice because the quality of the workmanship is phenomenal—truly second to none—and the materials and finish are of the absolute highest quality. Gabriel & Co. was founded in 1989 by brothers Jack and Dominick Gabriel, sons of master New York jeweler Elias Gabriel. The Gabriel brothers believed that the jewelry industry needed to have fresher designs and modern styles, and they set themselves to the task of creating just that. Now, they are renowned around the world. “They use the highest quality diamonds in terms of color and clarity,” says Evan. “They don’t cut any corners at all. Their diamonds sparkle and their setting work is very ornate, which takes an especially skilled hand to do. Each piece has a serial number that can be tracked in their system. It’s gorgeous jewelry. It has been a wonderful relaClassic Creation's Pam Duke and her Nau-T-Girl line, now carried around the country.

tionship for both of us.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Gabriel & Co., available at Classic Creations

Another line featured at Classic Creations is none other than Nau-T-Girl, Evan’s wife Pam’s personally designed jewelry line that was featured last year in Venice Lifestyle Magazine. Pam’s line is inspired by sea life, and captures her love for everything coastal and the great times she spends with Evan and their kids on the water on their boat. When we last checked in with Pam and Nau-T-Girl, the line was carried by 22 stores nationally, but that has only increased over the past year to the point that now Nau-TGirl is carried by more than three dozen fine jewelry stores located all over the country. A shop on Marathon Island in the Florida Keys sells more Nau-T-Girl than any other, but stores from Maine, to California’s Catalina Island, to jewelers on the Great Lakes also carry the line. “I have been working on a new design for Nau-T-Girl based on a customer request,” Pam says. “She wanted a Nau-T-Girl design based on a shark’s tooth, and that is really perfect for our region since that’s what Venice is known for. One thing that has changed at Nau-T-Girl is that I am not just doing stand-alone rings or other pieces,

“We are a busy store with a devoted following of loyal customers,”

but designing whole sets. Most of my newer designs

Evan says. “What we have changes almost every day. We certainly want

have whole matching sets: necklaces, bracelets, earrings,

everyone to do their best to protect themselves and the people they love

anklets, toe rings. My next collection is titled ‘Seahorse.’ I

from Covid-19, just as our employees and we are doing. But we cannot

try to design two to three collections a year.”

stop living our lives. We have seen a lot of sales recently because people

Covid-19 caused a long closure at the store, but Classic

have spent so much time at home not spending any money. They have

Creations In Diamonds & Gold is back open to the public.

been coming in to Classic Creations because they have money to spend

Evan and Pam have been taking the pandemic and their

and they want a little sparkle in their lives. In difficult times like these,

customers’ concerns very seriously. They require masks

nothing tells a loved one how much they are cared for, worried about,

and social distancing in the store itself, and have hand-san-

thought about, or missed than a gorgeous piece of jewelry.”

itizing stations at the store’s entrance. Despite the closure

Pam and Evan want to remind everyone of the nonprofit orga-

in April, Evan decided to pay all of his employees their full

nization they devote much of their time and energy to: the Child

wages, even before he knew that the business had suc-

Protection Center. Deeply supportive of the CPC’s mission to protect

cessfully received a PPP loan from the government.

and help abused children, Pam and Evan have been supporters for

“Part of what has always made me proud of our business

years, leading fundraisers annually.

is the jobs that we create, the people who we call family

“Come into Classic Creations In Diamonds & Gold and check

who work for Classic Creations,” Evan explains. “There was

things out,” Evan says at last. “We have worked hard to make things

no way that we could leave our employees to deal with lost

safe. The jewelry we have for you to shop through is always changing

wages during the pandemic, so we made that decision to

and our store is as nice as any fine jewelry store in the country. We

pay them regardless of how the loan turned out.”

would love to see you!”

Now with safety measures in place, Evan and Pam again invite the public to Classic Creations, to see the

2387 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. 941.525.4459. Nau-T-Girl.com.

ever-changing offerings of jewelry they have on hand.

ClassicCreationsJewelers.com

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

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UWSSC

Erin Lilly

WELCOMES ERIN! THE UNITED WAY SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY ADDS ERIN LILLY AS ITS NEW PUBLIC RELATIONS & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ERIN, WELL KNOWN FOR HER WORK AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, JOINS PRESIDENT/CEO BARBARA CRUZ AND OFFICE MANAGER GWEN SCHAFER AS THE OPERATIONAL TEAM AT THE UNITED WAY SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY. The UWSSC is in the midst of a Covid-19 Response, Recovery & Relief Fund campaign, challenging individuals to donate $30 and local businesses to donate $300 - $3,000. All funds raised will be distributed in South County, with zero funds going towards administrative costs. Generous donors may ‘Text UWSSC to 243725.’

Erin Lilly

Erin is very excited to join the United Way South Sarasota County as Public

Relations & Development Director. The position came her way by surprise. “Our President/CEO Barbara Cruz messaged me via Facebook and said she had heard I had left the Chamber,” Erin explains. “She said, ‘We are a small team, but you will have creative license.’” Erin felt it was a perfect fit and remarked that she is most energized by organizations that are on the launchpad with a new project or image they are building. “Barbara wants to shine a light on the great nonprofit work we do locally. I have a public relations and advertising background and Barbara is an amazing lady with a highly effective, encouraging and positive leadership style. She builds her team up personally and allows them to flourish or be in the spotlight in lieu of herself at times in order to get their job done more effectively, and she’s really dedicated to our mission. That spoke volumes to me about why she has been so effective in building this organization.” Among its many projects, UWSSC is using a Modern United Way Blueprint as a roadmap forward through COVID, and has just recently achieved an important IMPACT INITIATIVE three years in the making, securing funding for a much needed Homeless Case Worker in North Port in conjunction with other key non-profits in Sarasota. United Way is now promoting its Covid-19 Local Relief Funding which targets but is not limited to the A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population in South County. 24

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

Erin with the United Way of South Sarasota County's Mascot 'Gallager'

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW

“Laurel Civic Association and North Port Social Services take the applications and do the vetting for us,” says Erin, “and we distribute the funds. These funds are for anybody in South County who can document that they have been negatively affected by Covid-19, whether they have lost a job, been furloughed, or have medical bills from Covid-19. We do not take admin fees

Barbara Cruz

out of the donations we raise.” Calling Venice home the past seven years, Erin is well known around town for her work the past two years at the Chamber of Commerce, and board service with the Sarasota Medical Alliance Foundation and the Suncoast Ad Federation. She recently joined the Sertoma board. An advertiser at heart, Erin loves the creativity that goes into public relations and development campaigns, as well as all the creative people she meets in her work. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, she earned a degree in Rhetoric and Communications Studies from University of Virginia, and later a Masters in Public Relations from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her husband Michael is a minimally invasive and DaVinci robotics surgeon for HCA, her daughter Jordan studies Motion Design at Ringling College, and her son Jacob attends SCF Collegiate School. “The United Way is an amazing organization,” Erin says. “What is so fulfilling here is that this is about directly helping people in our community.” 157 Havana Road, Venice. 941.484.4811. UWSSC.org. Development@UWSSC.org

The team at the United Way of South Sarasota County

Barbara Cruz, President/CEO

Gwen Schafer, Office Manager

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

DIY

Author Stephanie Snow

People P i ct u r e s ARTICLE STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

MOST OF US CARRY A CAMERA WHEREVER WE GO. We take pictures of ourselves, our children and our friends. We share them on social media, save them on our phones and occasionally print them out to frame. There are many types of cameras, but regardless of the camera you use, here are some tips to keep in mind for taking better photographs of people. You can make your photo more interesting if your subject is NOT in the middle of the picture. In photography we often use the rule of thirds which visually divides a picture into nine equal squares, like a tic tac toe grid. Try putting your subject on one of those dividing lines, either horizontally or vertically for a more interesting composition. If you’re taking a close up of a person’s face, compose the photograph so their eyes are on the upper third line. Minimize distractions in the photograph by either making your subjects fill the frame or make it look like they are alone at the location. Be aware of the natural light in your scene and try to use it to your advantage. When taking pictures with my phone I usually face my

SIMPLE TIPS FOR TAKING BETTER PORTRAITS

subjects into the sunlight so they are well lit. When I take pictures with my DSLR, I often use the sun to backlight my subject’s hair and create a beautiful glow around them. Here are four additional tips to keep in mind to take more flattering photos of the people we love.

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

+ TIP 1

+ TIP 2

If it bends, bend it. Your parents may have

taught you to stand up straight but for a more interesting photograph, Try different angles. You have probably

bend something. Try shifting your weight to one hip or bend a knee. Put

heard that it’s more flattering when taking a selfie to hold your

your hands in your pockets or on your waist to help your elbows bend.

cell phone higher than your shoulder and shoot down on yourself.

Lean against anything. Cross your legs or feet if you’re sitting. Tilt your

Photographing down on your subject emphasizes the eyes and

head a little. Find a way to be comfortable, not standing up straight, and

minimizes the chin. To create the appearance of long legs, photo-

it will look better in your photo.

graph from a low level. It’s easy to photograph everything at eye level but more interesting to take pictures from different angles so don’t be afraid to experiment. Tip 1 different angles

Tip 2 Bend It

Tip 4 Capture emotion

Tip 3 Lens Choice

+ TIP 4

Try to capture emotion. We’ve

all stood there and said cheese, then didn’t like the photo afterwards. Strive to capture the spirit of the person you’re photographing. A genuine smile, laugh,

+ TIP 3

look of love, attitude or caring will always remind you of the moment that picture was taken. Those are the Lens choice matters. Do

memories we all want to have and share with other.

you dislike the way you look in selfies? Phones are

Enjoy your photography and have fun with it. I hope

designed with wide angle lenses which create dis-

you find these tips helpful.

tortion when photographing any object up close. For a more flattering look, back up and zoom in.

StephanieSnowPhotography.com. 305.849.3186.

Portrait photographers prefer using longer lenses

StephanieSnowPhoto@yahoo.com.

like a 85mm or 105mm for the most flattering lens compression. Here are three photos taken with different lenses to show how different a face can look depending on which lens is used. CityLifestyle.com/Venice

GIVING BACK

Elizabeth Skinner

LOVELAND CENTER ADDS THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS Cordell Jeter

LOVELAND CENTER RECENTLY ELECTED THREE NEW MEMBERS TO SERVE A THREE-YEAR TERM ON ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: JUSTIN TAYLOR, Justin Taylor

ELIZABETH SKINNER, AND CORDELL JETER. These board members bring a wealth of talent and expertise that will further Loveland’s mission, as well as support Loveland’s strategic goals that advance the agency as a leading disability service provider. “We seek members who have a passion for our mission and bring the talent, diversity, knowledge and skills to our board that will help Loveland Center realize our long term strategies,” says Laurie Huebner, vice chair and governance committee chair. “I am delighted with our newest members, as each of them individually make us a stronger board collectively.” Justin Taylor, vice president and chief operating officer at MRT Companies, brings a dynamic perspective to the Loveland Board stemming from his diverse background in legislative and financial affairs. Elizabeth Skinner, a sales and strategic planning consultant, delivers a qualified business perspective that will surely enhance the strategic planning efforts at Loveland. Cordell Jeter, founder of TrackedMobility, offers a perspective that will empower Loveland’s advocacy efforts for individuals with disabilities for future generations. Established in 1962, Loveland Center’s mission is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. To learn more visit: LovelandCenter.org or call 941-493-0016.

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS

E A T

KEEP YOUR PLATE IN STYLE WITH THESE FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU LOOK + FEEL GOOD

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

P R E T T Y 30

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

VITAMIN A IS ESSENTIAL TO PROTECTING THE CORNEAS OF OUR EYES. By taking care of your corneas, you can extend the health of your eyesight and reduce vision loss with age. An easy way to remember what to eat for healthy eyes is to look for orange foods. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash are all high in vitamin A.

H E A LT H Y EYES

/// CARROTS / / / S W E E T P OTATO E S /// PUMPKIN /// BUTTERNUT SQUASH

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

/// FLAX SEED /// WALNUTS /// CHIA SEEDS /// FISH

H E A LT H Y SKIN

Did you know that vitamin A is also imperative for skin health? So while you’re caring for your corneas, you’re also boosting your outer glow. If you want to kick it up a notch, be intentional about eating plenty of foods with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce acne and inflammation and help your skin produce its own collagen. For your healthy fats, go for flax seed, walnuts, chia seeds, and fish.

SALMON /// EGGS /// SPINACH /// BROCCOLI ///

H E A LT H Y

For soft, flowing tresses, make sure you’re getting an equal amount of B vitamins in your diet. We naturally get plenty of B-6 because it’s in most grains, but it’s easier to end up with a biotin or B-12 deficiency if you don’t pay attention. Focus on foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and broccoli for a healthy balance of B vitamins for your hair.

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

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For more information about the local housing market call Liz today.

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CityLifestyle.com/Venice

LOCAL’S CHOICE

PR E T T Y LIT TLE THINGS CLASSIC CREATIONS IN DIAMONDS & GOLD OFFER GORGEOUS JEWELRY BY NAU-T-GIRL AND GABRIEL & CO. PHOTOGRAPHY IMAGES PROVIDED BY NAU-T-GIRL AND GABRIEL & CO.

1. Pam Duke designs her coastal-themed Nau-T-Girl line based on things she sees while on the water like redfish, and sea turtles. 2. Gabriel & Co. designs its jewelry using only the finest materials and highest quality finish. Shop at Classic Creations or online. 3. Nau-T-Girl jewelry is designed in Venice and sold all over the country, from Florida, to Maine, to the Great Lakes, to the Pacific Coast. 2387 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. 941.525.4459 Nau-T-Girl.com. ClassicCreationsJewelers.com

AESTHETIC 1

A redfish

AESTHETIC 2

AESTHETIC 3

Venice Lifestyle | September 2020

ITâ€™S NEVER TOO L AT E TO H AVE A

beautiful smile

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